Why Is There a Conflict?

These are More Questions Related to our Study Guide and Movies on Peacemaking, focusing on “Why is There a Conflict.” Refer to study guide video #2 for exploring the questions below.

Huda Giddens lived through the initial conflicts that led to the birth of the State of Israel. But as a Palestinian Christian she refers to the same event as the Nakba, which means catastrophe in Arabic. We recommend that you view a six and a half minute video produced by Jewish Voice for Peace which gives a narrative version of the modern conflict. It’s helpful and it’s from a Jewish activist organization. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y58njT2oXfE

What struck you in Huda’s story? Spend some time considering the stories of both the Palestinians and Israelis in both movies (Muther Isaac, Mazin Farij, Claire Anastas, Daniel (the former Israeli soldier), Sahar Vardi, Judy Bamberger).

What was most illuminating for you in the Jewish Voice for Peace video on the history of the conflict?

Is there anything that makes it difficult for you to identify or empathize with either the Palestinian or Israeli narrative of the conflict? Why?

What’s the difference between a peace talker and a peacemaker? Should the Israel of the Bible be seen like the Israel of today?

We are more alike than different

Biologically, our ancestral differences reflect only a 0.1 percent difference in DNA. Yet we often cling to those differences — both in unity with our fellow people of origin and, at times, in divisiveness.

Over all, the experiment has provided a special opportunity to explore the lines of race. I found that as human beings, our strategies for survival are the same, and our similarities far outweigh our differences.
Anita Foeman, professor of communication studies

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Thanks for stopping by. I'm in constant search for beauty, and try to capture it with my camera. I also look for ways to restore shalom between cultures and peoples that may not see the image of God in their other. I seek to follow Jesus and his invitation to make peace. I love photography, coffee, hiking, time with friends, and a good book. Poke around here. Enjoy the pictures, reflections and stories.